Sharad Navratri Festival

The last day of Navratri is known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami, which marks the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, particularly in North India, where large models of the demon king Ravana are burned to symbolise the victory of good over evil.

Apart from religious significance, the significance of Sharad Navratri is that it also holds cultural and social importance in many regions of India. In many parts of the country, people participate in traditional dances such as Garba and Dandiya, which are performed in large gatherings, often late into the night. These dances are performed around a centrally placed image of the deity and are accompanied by devotional music and singing.

Sharad Navratri - Days and Associated Goddesses

As we know, Navratri is a festival celebrated for nine days. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different goddess, and that specific goddess is worshipped that day. Moreover, there is also a colour associated with each goddess every day, which also holds symbolic and cultural meaning to it. Let us have a look at which day of Navratri is associated with which goddess. These days are as follows:

• Day 1 - Shailaputri Mata

The colour associated with the first day of Navratri is Royal Blue colour which tends to signify reliability and assurance. The first day is called Pratipada. This day is dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri Mata, as she is worshipped on the very first day or Pratipada of Navratri.

• Day 2 – Brahmacharini Mata

The colour associated with the second day of Navratri is Yellow colour which tends to represent and resemble action and strength. The second day is known as Dwitiya, and this day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini.

• Day 3 – Chandraghanta Mata

The colour associated with the third day of Navratri is green, whichh tends to represent luck, health and prosperity. This day is called Tritiya, and on this day, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped.

• Day 4 – Kushmanda Mata

The colour associated with the fourth day of Navratri is Grey colour which represents balance and is also associated as a symbol of beauty. Moreover, this day is known as Chaturthi, and it is associated with Kushmanda Mata, who is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri.

• Day 5 – Skandamata Mata

The fifth day is known as Panchami. Also, the colour associated with the fifth day of Navratri is orange, which tends to represent optimism, energy and also creative flow. The fifth day of Navratri, or the Panchmi, is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata as she is worshipped on this day.

• Day 6 – Katyayani Mata

The sixth day is known as the Shashtami, and the colour associated with this day is White colour which tends to represent purity, simplicity and also peace. On this day, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped.

• Day 7 – Kaalaratri Mata

The colour associated with the seventh day of Navratri is Red colour which tends to represent courage, fierce attitude and power. The seventh day of the Navratri comes around to be called the Maha Saptami, and this day is dedicated to Goddess Kaalaratri.

• Day 8 – Mahagauri Mata

The colour associated with the eighth day of Navratri is Pink colour which tends to represent admiration of nature’s beauty. Moreover, this day is also known as Ashtami, and on this day, Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped. This day also tends to represent and signify the birth of Chandi Mata.

• Day 9 – Siddhidatri Mata

The colour associated with the ninth day of Navratri is Pink colour which tends to signify intelligence and peace. Moreover, this day is also known as Navami, and is dedicated to Siddhidatri Mata.

Sharad Navratri 2023 Dates

Mentioned below are the dates on which Sharad Navratri will happen in the year 2023. These are as follows:

• First Navratri

Pratham Tithi, 15 October 2023, Sunday

Maa Shailputri Puja, Ghatasthapana

• Second Navratri

Dwitiya date, 16 October 2023, Monday

Maa Brahmacharini Puja

• Third Navratri

Tritiya date, 17 October 2023, Tuesday

Maa Chandraghanta Puja

• Fourth Navratri

Chaturthi Tithi, 18 October 2023, Wednesday

Maa Kushmanda Puja

• Fifth Navratri

Panchami Tithi, 19 October 2023, Thursday

Maa Skandamata Puja

• Sixth Navratri

Shashthi Tithi, 20 October 2023, Friday

Maa Katyayani Puja

• Seventh Navratri

Saptami date, 21 October 2023, Saturday

Maa Kalaratri Puja

• Eighth Navratri

Ashtami date, 22 October 2023, Sunday

Maa MahaGauri Puja, Durga Puja Ashtami

• Ninth Navratri

Navami date, 23 October 2023, Monday

Maa Siddhidatri Puja ,Durga Maha Navami Puja

• Dussehra

Dashami date, 24 October 2023, Tuesday

Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijay Dashmi

Sharad Navratri Rituals

Some of the most common Sharad Navratri rituals include the following:

• Keeping a fast during Navratri either without eating anything throughout the day or by just consuming fruits and milk products.
• Chanting mantras and reading and listening to Navratri Kathas.
• Offering prasad to young girls.

Sharad Navratri and Chaitra Navratri

People often have this question in their minds that what is the difference between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. Well, the answer to this is right here.

Sharad Navratri, as we know, marks the beginning of Autumn season. It is celebrated every year between the months of September and October. It is a nine-day long festival, whose end is honoured with Dussehra on the tenth day. Moreover, Sharad Navratri is considered to be one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals. The festival becomes even more auspicious with the worshipping of Durga Mata alongside.

However, on the other hand, the Chaitra Navratri festival is celebrated during the months of March and April. Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Summer season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sharad Navratri is a festival of great importance to Hindus, illustrating the victory of good over evil and the power of divine intervention. It is a time for worship, devotion, and celebration. And it is observed with great joy and enthusiasm by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it's through fasting, singing devotional songs, or participating in cultural events, Navratri provides a unique and meaningful experience for all those who observe it.

What should be avoided in Sharad?

There are certain things one must keep in mind during Sharad Navratri. These include the following:

• Do not cut nails or get a haircut during Navratri.
• Do not consume any non-vegetarian food during Navratri.
• It is also advised that an individual must avoid grains like lentils and rice during Navratri.
• Moreover, Navratri is considered the most auspicious time of the year. It is also said that Goddesses and Gods visit people’s houses during this time. Thus it is advised that an individual should keep their houses and themselves neat and clean at all times.

What are the Colours of Sharad Navratri?

There are different colours associated with different days of Navratri. The colours associated with these days are as follows:

• Day 1 - Yellow
• Day 2 - Geen
• Day 3 - Grey
• Day 4 - Orange
• Day 5 - White
• Day 6 - Red
• Day 7 - Royal Blue
• Day 8 - Pink
• Day 9 - Purple